How to Identify Yellow-striped Cardinalfish

To identify Yellow-striped Cardinalfish (Apogon cyanosoma), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

The body is silvery-white to pale pinkish, adorned with 5-7 prominent yellow to orange longitudinal stripes running from the snout to the caudal fin base. The fins are typically translucent, sometimes with a yellowish tint.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

5-7 distinct yellow to orange longitudinal stripes, Large eyes, characteristic of nocturnal species, Two separate dorsal fins

Dorsal fin

Two separate dorsal fins; the first with 6-8 spines, the second with 1 spine and 8-9 soft rays.

Tail fin

Forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins are relatively large and clear.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are thoracic, located beneath the pectoral fins.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Stripes

   Count the number of yellow/orange stripes. Apogon cyanosoma typically has 5-7 distinct stripes. The intensity of the yellow/orange can vary.

2. 2

   Body Color

   Note the base body color, which is usually silvery-white to pale pinkish, providing a strong contrast to the stripes.

3. 3

   Eye Size

   Observe the relatively large eyes, a common trait among nocturnal cardinalfishes.

4. 4

   Fin Structure

   Confirm the presence of two distinct dorsal fins and a forked caudal fin.

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